The Mont Blanc Circuit

The Tour du Mont Blanc is a very popular walk and refuges are sometimes overbooked. This is just a guide to the route and details may change and the actual refuges booked may vary from what is written here, dependent on client numbers, wishes, and availability. This adjustment with refuges may alter the exact distance walked in a day so the above itinerary should be used as an indication of overnight stops/distances.

Accommodation: We use long-established family run 2-star (equivalent) rustic hotels and refuges, which we have chosen for their stunning locations. Most offer spectacular mountain views. They are representative of the country, culture and environment in which they are located; all are clean, well-run and set up with the trekker in mind. The atmosphere is friendly and jovial as hikers from many nationalities gather to spend the night. Room sizes (twin, double or occasionally triple or quadruple rooms) and facilities will vary from hotel to hotel and sometimes from room to room in the same hotel. On some nights, facilities are ensuite while others have the possibility, depending on availability and group size, of shared bathroom and toilet facilities. Some nights you may be in triple or quad share dependent on tour selected (Under certain conditions, there might be occasional alterations to lodging arrangements because of unforeseen logistical factors).

Meals and dietary requirements: The food served along the trek is traditional and locally sourced. Cheese, local ham and wines are a big feature, with breads & pizza also common. Some dietary requirements can be catered for, however, this trek isn’t suitable for those with severe allergies or strict dietary requirements such as vegans and we would suggest you speak with our Destination Expert prior to making a booking if you have any food intolerances, allergies or strict dietary requirements. 

The afternoon is free for you to explore the town and its amazing mountain surroundings. Take a cable car up the famous Aguille de Midi for spectacular views over the Alps or relax in the many street cafes offering excellent cuisine. You will meet with your leader at 5pm in the hotel for a briefing to go over the trip and you then have a chance to get any last-minute items you may need for your hike. Tonight we will eat dinner at the hotel.

Meals: D

To commence our journey through the stunning landscapes of the Chamonix region, we have chosen the perfect vantage point to begin our adventure: the majestic Brevent. We get there via the picturesque Col du Brevent, with our journey commencing by ascending the cable car to Planpraz, a convenient and breathtaking start to our exploration. From the summit (2525 m), the view of the grandeur of Mont Blanc, is incomparable, however our day doesn’t end until have descended the Brevent and hiked via Bel Lachat and Merlet before arriving in Les Houches for our overnight stay. Today includes some steep climbing, with some ladder and cable sections where careful footing is essential. For your effort you will be rewarded with some spectacular views.

Ascent 500m / Descent 1440m

Meals: B, L, D

Starting by the Col de Bellevue, from where there are great views of the Aiguille du Gouter. A charming traverse passes right at the foot of the Bionnassay Glacier. A bridge across a river and we then ascend up to the Col du Tricot (2120m). From where a zigzagging path leads us down to the Chalets de Miage before descending down to the Val Montjoie. In poor weather, your guide may decide to use another route via Bionassay instead. Overnight in Les Contamines.

Ascent 630m / Descent 1225m

Meals: B, L, D

From the village of Les Contamines, we will walk up to the Col du Bonhomme. The path at this stage leads gently up the valley to the beautiful church of Notre Dame de la Gorge, which will be a picturesque rest stop. The track that was originally constructed by the Romans is roughly paved with large slabs and flagstones. Once past the church, the path winds steeply through pines beside a narrow gorge, where the blue-tinged waters of the Torrent de Tré la Tête boil and thunder between smooth rock walls. We leave the Val Montjoie to cross over to the Beaufortain Valley via the high Col de la Croix du Bonhomme. We arrive at Les Chapieux via the Petit Mont Blanc pasture.

Accommodation this evening is in a refuge in a remote location and will be on a triple or quad share basis and bathroom facilities may be shared.

Ascent 1300m / Descent 900m

Meals: B, L, D

A short shuttle bus transfer brings us to Ville des Glaciers (1789m). We reach the Val d’Aosta via the Col de la Seigne (2516m) and from there we see a most imposing view of the south face of the Mont Blanc. A path leads us around the Limestone Pyramids to reach the moraine of the Estelette Glacier and the nearby Refugio Elizabetta. From here we continue onwards down the valley to our overnight stop, by the glacial Lacs de Miage (a well-known local beauty spot).

Today, there is no luggage transfer possible. You will be self-supporting for this night and will be reunited with your baggage in Courmayeur tomorrow. We recommend travelling as light as possible – just a change of clothes and a toothbrush! 

Accommodation this evening is in a refuge and will be on a triple or quad share basis and bathroom facilities may be shared.

Ascent 720m / Descent 540m

Meals: B, L, D

Today is a slightly shorter day to Courmayeur and a chance to relax and take in the views from the terrace in the morning. The way up to the Arp Vieille (2420 m) is easy and takes you onto a magnificent balcony. Mont Blanc sits enthroned above the Brouillard and Freney Glaciers and summits such as the Innominata and the Aiguilles de Peuterey – all epic names in alpinism. Descent to the col Checroui then onto Courmayeur for your overnight stay.

Ascent 480m / Descent 1220m

Meals: B, L
Dinner is not included this evening.

Today you have a full day to explore this Italian Alpine town, enjoy an espresso in one off the street cafes or take the incredible cable car ride from Le Palud to the point Helbronner at 3470m. There is also an excellent thermal bath and spa at Pre St Didier, just 5km away (regular buses). Or you could take a trip to the provincial capital of Aosta (1 hour by bus) with its Roman remains and medieval streets. Your leader will be able to offer some suggestions.

Meals: B

Leaving from the hamlet of Villair (1340m) is a charming forested ascent to the Bertone refuge, then over a crest dominating the Val Ferret we get to Tete Bernarda (2534m), we are at the summit of one of the most beautiful lookouts on the whole Tout du Mont Blanc. There is also an alternative path which runs on the flank of the mountain to Refuge Bonatti on a glorious contouring trail with flower meadows, milky streams and clanging cowbells while descending into the Italian Val Ferret.

Shared bathroom facilities this evening and may require a triple or quad share.

Ascent 970m or 1300m / Descent 550m or 950m

Meals: B, L, D

This day starts with an easy walk up the valley to Refugio Elena where the most demanding climb to the pass begins. The ascent to the Col Ferret (2537m) is steep but enjoyable. Crossing the Grand Col Ferret takes you out of Italy and into Switzerland along the eastern edge of the Mont Blanc Range. There are a few streams to cross today. The walk down into the Swiss Val Ferret is through pastureland and on a mixture of paths, tracks and through valaisan pastures to the charming village of La Fouly (1595m) where we will stay overnight.

Accommodation is in a remote location and may require a triple or quad share & a shared bathroom. Luggage transfers are also not included on this day so you will need to carry a spare set of base layer clothes and basic toiletries for the night.

Ascent 1240m / Descent 1200m

Meals: B, L, D

The classic Tour du Mont Blanc takes the Bovine route.This part of the trail passes near meadows, forests and then steeply up to the high alpine pastures and simple Alp building of the working dairy farm Bovine that overlooks the Rhône Valley. An hour and a half of easy walking followed by a rapid ascent in the forest and we are hanging over the Rhone valley and the town of Martigny. You will not be disappointed with this fabulous balcony and views of far-ranging mountains.

Take a moment to enjoy spectacular views across to the Bernese Alps before a very pleasant and mostly downhill woodland walk that will take you to Col de La Forclaz. Then its 45 minutes of steep downhill into Trient.

Accommodation this evening is in a refuge in a remote location and will be on a triple or quad share basis and bathroom facilities will be shared.

Ascent 800m or 1200m / Descent 960m or 1140m

Meals: B, L, D

The walk up to the Col de Balme (2131m) via les Herbageres brings us back into France. A long but gradual ascent up to the Col De Balme with its picturesque refuge on the pass that marks the border with France. Superb Views of Mont Blanc and the Chamonix Valley stretched before you. Returning to the Chamonix Valley from here is a very pleasant walk. Col de La Balme is the furthest point from the summit of Mont Blanc, enjoy panoramic views of lovely snow domes that will remain in sight for most of the descent into Argentiere.

Ascent 1020m / Descent 1020m

Meals: B, L, D

From Argentiere we climb up to Cheserys, a balcony offering grandiose views; the glaciers of le Tour, Argentiere, the Mer de Glace, the Aiguille verte, the Drus , the Aiguilles de Chamonix and of course Mont Blanc dominating all these mountain marvels. We expect to add a slice of wildlife to this day as a reward for our efforts, as ibex are common here. The trek ends at Flegere, where we return to Chamonix by cable car in the afternoon. Your mountain leader may modify the itinerary if conditions necessitate.

Ascent 930m or 1125m / Descent 325m or 380m

Meals: B, L
**Please note that dinner on the final night is at your own expense. Your guide will make a booking for your group in Chamonix for dinner if you would like to have a celebratory dinner with your fellow trekkers.

The trip finishes today and you are free to stay on or you can transfer by private vehicle or shared transfer this morning from Chamonix to Geneva airport (not included in trip price).

Meals: B

• 2 nights accommodation in Chamonix (B&B)
• 10 nights accommodation in small hotels or mountain refuges.
• Twin share accommodation (two/three nights which will be triple or quad share)
• Small group max 12 people
• An experienced and qualified English speaking mountain leader
• Pre trek briefing in Chamonix
• Daily meals as outlined in the itinerary
• RAW Travel local support
• Lift passes as required
• Luggage transfers on all but 2 trekking days
• Carbon offset for your trip and a native tree planted for every walker

• Flights to/from your destination
• Local bus and train tickets
• Lunch not included on day 7 (rest day)
• Dinners not included on days 6, 7 and 12
• Expenses of a personal nature
• Travel insurance

AIRPORT TRANSFERS

Chamonix Valley Transfers is our preferred partner and bookings can be made via their website: https://chamonix-valley-transfers.co.uk/book/

This is pick up and drop off at the airport in Geneva to our base hotel in Chamonix.